"Don't worry, Ms. Lark. I may not be a saint, but I'm not that depraved, either."I shook my head as I followed Ryan inside.The house was large and clean, and almost desolately so.We didn't seem to have much to talk about.Ryan went to the kitchen while I hurriedly sat on the couch. I suddenly noticed a book placed in the cabinet beside the bookshelf. It looked quite familiar.It was a Paxford High yearbook.Caleb and I graduated from Paxford High, and the yearbook was from the year I graduated as well.Would this yearbook contain photos of me, and Caleb too?I was about to sneakily flip it open when Ryan came out of the kitchen.He had grabbed two bottles of water, and now, he placed them onto the cabinet. He pressed a hand against the book, halting my actions."Nothing interesting to see here."He was right. I shouldn't touch other people's stuff, anyway.I was a little mad at myself, so I changed the topic."Um, thanks for helping me and my brother out. I'll slowly pa
The discussion on Twitter gradually went off-topic as it shifted to me instead.The user who had encountered me back then had posted several photos and a video.In the blizzard, I was pictured kneeling on the stone steps with my hands clasped as I looked in the direction of Highspire Hall.Since Caleb had released a statement denying his relationship with me, I was certain that no one would assume that I was doing it for him.Even if someone made the connection, they wouldn't have any proof.I didn't want to scroll too much, so I turned off my phone. I decided to gather my things and go to Hale Group to complete the resignation procedures.Caleb wasn't in the office when I arrived.That wasn't a bad thing. I wouldn't have to get too involved with him again.Just as I was carrying my stuff out of Hale Group, I received a call from my best friend."Alicia, check this out! The users took no time digging up what you did back then!"I set down my stuff and held my phone in front o
Actually, I wouldn't blame Caleb for reacting like that.Back then, I had only told him that I got a blessed bracelet for him. I had never told him what I went through to obtain the bracelet."What did you just say? How did Alicia get the bracelet?"Caleb slowly repeated his question.The camera zoomed into his expression.His gaze was cold, but even through the screen, I could see a trace of disbelief and fear in his eyes.The journalist was unfazed.Taking out her phone, she held it toward Caleb."If you don't believe me, Mr. Hale, you can see for yourself. The photos and video of Ms. Lark getting the bracelet at Highspire Hall are making the rounds on the internet right now. Everyone is moved to tears!"The journalist's phone was probably displaying the scenes uploaded by that particular user.Reaching out, Caleb took the phone.I could even see his fingertips trembling a little."I…" He finally spoke up in a hoarse voice. "I never knew… I thought that it was just a comm
I thought Ryan would ask questions, but he just turned around and poured some warm water for me.When he handed me the cup of water, he asked in a casual tone, "When are we getting the marriage certificate?""Is it that urgent?""Yes. You should be aware that internal conflicts are quite intense in families like mine. If I hesitate for even a second, my collateral relatives might get ahead of me."Ryan spoke as if it were an extremely serious matter.He sounded like I was in control of his fate.He had helped me first, so I felt that it would be inappropriate to make further comments. So, I had no choice but to let him pick a date.…Ryan still hadn't settled on a date when I received a call from the hospital.As it turned out, a special medication was recently developed for patients like my brother.Unfortunately, the company that had developed this medication was a subsidiary of Caleb's company.Because of the high cost of development, only a very small amount of the medic
Nearby, Caleb frowned deeply as he walked past Lucas and approached me.He didn't even care that there were other people present as he said, "Fiancée? You'd better explain yourself, Alicia."With that, he tried to grab me again, but I dodged him."There's nothing to explain." Ryan calmly pulled me behind him and put some distance between me and Caleb."We'll send you an invitation for our wedding, Mr. Hale."Caleb's face instantly turned pale."Ryan, you're—"Ryan interrupted Caleb straight away."Sorry, but I have something else to attend to. We'll be leaving now."Ryan had a tight grip on my hand as he walked to the parking lot.After we got into the car, Ryan was the first to break the silence."Sorry for being late. It must've been a terrible experience for you. Don't worry, I've already won the auction for the medication."I looked in the direction of his gaze. Sure enough, a securely packaged item was placed on the backseat.I was surprised. "How did you get it? How
I just felt that it was a pity.In the past, I had truly loved Caleb with everything I had, but he never seemed to have placed much importance on this matter.Breaking free from Caleb's grasp, I shook my head."I'm getting married soon, Mr. Hale."With that, I held hands with Ryan, who was beside me.Caleb's expression quickly turned sullen.…Since then, Caleb never showed up again. Hale Group's shares were also at an all-time low.I didn't want to pay too much attention to it. Moreover, Ryan had gone on a business trip for a whole week.One beautiful afternoon, he called to say that he had returned.He even said, "The weather is pretty nice today. It's the perfect day to get our marriage certificate. Feel free to dress up for the occasion, Mrs. Jackson. I'll pick you up later."After ending the call, I went to get ready.When I walked out of the bathroom after a shower, the doorbell suddenly rang.I was in my slippers when I ran over to get the door.However, the person
I was stunned.This was completely different from what I had imagined.Hannah continued, "Ryan had already fallen for you a long time ago. He said that he was classmates with you in high school. He was quite plump back then, and he was bullied by the entire class, except for you."My thoughts gradually drifted away. Yes, there had indeed been a plump guy in our class in high school. He had stood behind me when we were taking the class photo.A warm smile came to my lips as I turned on the TV.Information about Caleb's tax evasion was exposed, so the tax office intervened. Caleb's whole company had halted its operations for the investigations.Just then, my phone rang. It was a call from an unfamiliar number.I answered the call, but to my surprise, Caleb's voice rang out."See me right now, or you'll regret it forever."I froze on the spot.Coincidentally, the host on the TV reported, "The person in charge of this company, Caleb Hale, is missing right now. The police are urge
Caleb Hale and Hannah White were chatting when I brought the coffee to the balcony."It's just a string of sandalwood beads. Do you hate it that much?"Lighting a cigarette, Caleb narrowed his eyes as he stared at Hannah."I never fancied these things. I wouldn't want to see it every day after we get married."While holding a glass of wine, Hannah leaned forward and curved her lips."Are you perhaps reluctant to part with it, my dear fiancé?"I didn't say anything as I subconsciously held my breath and awaited Caleb's reply.What would he do?He seemed to be stunned.He frowned. Then, he touched his right wrist with his left hand out of habit.For an instant, I thought he would decline.However, he was expressionless as he said nonchalantly, "It's just an accessory. I've gotten tired of it, anyway."With that, he casually tossed the bracelet from the balcony into the building nearby.I bit my lip hard. After the painful sensation, the taste of iron began to spread in my mo